My mantle (one of the things I think people struggle with how to decorate the most) is near finished. One of my prints had to be returned, and I'm waiting for the new one to come back. Otherwise, pretty complete.
I gotta tell ya. I. am. good. at finding a bargain. At Art.com, the large tulip print was $157.00 to have framed. If you know me by now, you know I'm too cheap to pay that. So, I went to Hobby Lobby, scoured through their clearance section, and found this baby for...........$4.80!! In all fairness, I did have to pay about $30.00 for the glass and the mat, but really--that's practically free.
I took a close up, so you can see it's a bit banged up. Nothing a little filler paint and some dimmed lighting can't fix, right??
Alright. Here's why I posted these pictures. I. NEED. HELP. I have curtains coming for the large wall window. I fought it for years, but after seeing a lot of rooms lately, I think curtains really do help warm up a room. Mom and best friend-1, Chris-0
I can not for the life of me figure out what to put on the blank spot next to the fireplace. I used to have shelves there, (see link above for those) and I wanted to do it again, but I'm worried it'll be too much. I'm in love with these, and I thought 2 or three of the same size, evenly spaced apart would look nice. Then, it will give me some more creativity to bring in some color. Will it? Is it too much? Why would they use a peach-colored wall to sell these? Blech!
Okay...if not the shelves, do I do a print? How do I do that, if I have 4 on my mantle!? A mirror, you say? I have a 5 foot one on the opposing wall. Too many mirrors, right?
I honestly feel like someone just shoved a year's worth of HGTV in my head, and I can't process now that I have the space for it. I will tell you this. If you've ever lurked here before, come out of hiding. If you think my blog is horrendous, then comment about how much you hate it--but then tell me how to decorate that space. If you think you don't have any sense of style, suck it up and tell me anyway. I have about 30 people coming over this weekend, so I'd like to get some choices narrowed down. No pressure or anything. 
48 comments:
No print, it will compete with your tulip. Something iron. Nothing too big that will compete with the things on the fire place.
Can't wait to see what others say. Especially the people that think your blog is horrendous but have an idea for the wall. ;-)
Brandee
I just found your blog recently and do enjoy reading it. Not horrendous at all. :)
I do like the iron idea - something with scrolls. Ross always has some.
Another idea I have is to get just kind of a big frame (thrift store?) and paint it black. Then find some pretty sconces that are shelves. I'm drawing a blank on what they'd be called. They usually look like they are made from stone, but aren't always made of stone. Put a few of those on the wall inside and outside the frame. Then find other "things" (some iron?) to make a grouping and set things on the little shelves. Does that make sense?
OK, I'm delurking per request to offer my thoughts. But I'll warn you, I don't think I'll help much. I have a similar space in my house, and have left it undecorated for a long time now, because I can't make up my mind.
But for your space, I like the idea of something iron - I think anything that's not mirror or print is a great idea - maybe one larger piece or several smaller ones grouped together.
The other option (and the I'm currently considering for my space) is to find something tall and fairly narrow, so as not to take up floor space, to kind of fill it up a little.
Good luck!
Two black and white 8x10 prints in matted framed, one two inches above the other. Possibly really nice wedding photos. (Like of your bouquet or something.) Or black and white printed paper that is framed (like scrapbooking paper)
I did that in my living room.
I like the iron idea. Before I read all the posts I thought maybee a tall plant or something, but maybe that's not really in anymore, Yes, definitely like the iron idea. This is one of my favorite shops, maybe they'll have something here you'll like.
http://www.rodworks.com/index.html
No print or mirror, it's too much. How about a large fake ficus tree? Ok, just kidding.
Um...a large iron work piece? Email for you...
Actually I thought the idea of a fake tree was great. I work at a home decor store, and am always impressed with the fake florals and how much they bring to a room. I think a ficus or palm....or whatever your heart fancies. It will break up the space, not compete with any artwork, and bring more warmth into the room. I think. :-)
You've gotten a lot of suggestions & I like the iron idea too, but I really think it could use some sort of plant. What about a real or very nice faux palm tree...on a pedestal. Is there room for something like that? I just think most rooms need some sort of greenery. I'm getting away from the complete fake stuff, but have a couple of faux palms that look very real. They also do preserved palms that are really pretty. That might be out of the budget right now, but something to think about.
Rhoda
I'm delurking, too. How about your shelves put back but instead of photos on them, put streaming plants (fake or real) to soften all the hard lines that are in that area.
Im kinda thinking green too... Maybe a palm... Remember every space doesnt have to be filled... my two cents... Susie h~
I really like the table idea, or the iron on the wall, or both? Maybe a table with plants, or an iron thing with a plant and b&w family photos? I wish I had a mantle to worry about... :)
Seriously, if you saw my living room, you would know that I'm not the person to ask.
But I like the idea of something iron. And, they are almost always 50% off at Hobby Lobby (or you can get that 40% off coupon via email)!
I'm liking the iron on the wall idea mentioned above. Or copy "The Nester" with the stars or something similar, say a collection of iron crosses.
Good luck and can't wait to see what you decide!!!
Okay Chris, how about some big metal tin tiles. My sister found some for her house and she got them TJMaxx. I think if you put either two big ones, or three smaller ones you will be all set. You could also go to the garden section at HobLob and get some rod iron medallions for that area.
Hope this helps.
You are hilarious as usual! I love it! Actually I totally love the paint color on your walls - so calm and inviting. When I first saw your room, I though tall plant, ficus tree, or you could put to use some new Stampin Up Decor Elements too, the tall prints would look great I think. I am also thinking something iron, or a tall plant. Enjoyed reading what everyone else had to say too! Please let us know what you decide to do - nothing to get you stressed like 30 people coming over eh!
PS: I personally think the room looks amazing w/o anything else done to it...
Your room is coming along great! I am going against the grain a bit here, but I kind of like the idea of a mirror over there. However, then I'd put a big palm plant (on a pedestal of some sort, like Rhoda said, to give it height) in that corner, so really the mirror would be less noticeable but would reflect the green from the palm and the light from the windows. The plant will definitely soften that corner, and something about the greenery makes a room feel more complete. Can't wait to see what you decide!
I agree with above..I totally see something rod iron there. Something that will fill the space but not draw the attention away from the mantle.
I see you have already gotten this suggestion but my first thought was some iron work. Maybe a piece that is bigger vertically than horizontally. It would give you some interest without being "too much". If that makes any sense.LOL
Blessings~~
Hi dear! Things are looking great! I vote (I am so not a fan of masses of people voting on a room, but here I am joining in anyways!) for nothing on the wall, you need breathing room there for your eyes to rest. But, a nice tall plant behind the sofa would soften and fill the space without taking up wall area, or a lamp on a table, or both...hmmm, I hate that I can't see the photo once I start talking. You likely need a lamp, but if there is one on the other end of the couch you could get away with just a plant and even put an uplight in the plant for a little mood lighting! oooo, how lovely that would be!
Happy decorating!
Melissa
Why not something as simple as a great floor lamp with a drum shade?
Beautiful room, by the way...
Linda
Hi! It looks like you have some space behind your couch in that corner... what about a tall plant. It seems like it wouldnt compete with anything else in the room but would add some warmth. Hope this helps!
I completely agree with Melissa. Your room is looking beautiful. If you add anything I would go with a live plant.
I love your blog! Who wouldn't... you have great style. I vote for a plant or some type of architectual something that sits on the floor but takes up visual room. Your window treatments will take up some space in the corner, visually or actually, and you don't want it to get too crowded over there. It looks fab so far. Can't wait to see what you come up with! These ladies have left great suggestions.
-Hayley
I love your blog your writing is so humorous and makes me laugh every time! I think it is because I say the same things when I am trying to figure out a decorating dilemma. I drive myself crazy!!
I like the empty space...try it for awhile and see what you think. Sometimes less is more.
If it does continue to bother you... what about some really unique architectural piece or a big clock? Do you have the latest Junk Market book by Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer. They always find really different things to put on walls or use as decorative pieces in a room to give it personality.
Let us know what you decide to do.
Karin
I was trying to read all of your posts girl!!! Your poular!! Anywho, I was thinking of what the masses said....rod iron or a tall lamp. I love Heidi @ Mt. Hope Chronicles and she may do the empty painted frame with anything inside from board games, a plate or a large letter. You should check it out. I am lovin me some empty frames!! :) Whatever you pick will be great...I love your blog.
First, I love that tulip! What a DEAL. And I'm leaning towards floor lamp. I just looked at your "before" pics and I also think you could angle the sofa a bit more (pushed out and angled in towards the fireplace)? That would free up more space there to do a floor lamp (I like the large drum shade idea someone posted), and maybe a floor cushion(s) and large floor basket/wood bowl for magazines and/or a throw...something cozy to balance the larger armoire on the other side. And I think your mantle arrangement looks so fabulous I wouldn't want to compete with that at all. In any event, it looks amazing already! Great job.
OK, I went back and looked at your first redo post of the whole room. I am liking the idea of a simple vertical drum lamp in that corner. You'll get some nice soft lighting, it won't compete with the mantle and your nice things there. It will give a balance of height to the eye on both sides of the fireplace when looking into the room.
Target always has some nice ones at a great price. HL does also. Get a lamp and then get one of Susie's cute tassels. Done!!
Is there anything else I can answer for you? I'm on a roll! :)
Love the iron idea. It would need to be pretty large to look balanced with the entertainment center.
Love the shelves too but once yo filled the up with smaller items it would compete with the fireplace mantle. Too cluttery looking together.
Anyway, I am delurking to say I agree with many others about the iron. :-)
I'm back to see what every one else said. Holy cow girl, your popular! I really like the idea of a tall plant and up light in the back.
Can't wait to see what you decide on.
Brandee
I don't think you should hang anything there because it detracts the focus from the fireplace. I agree that the large plant seems to be the best option. Hope this helps, but everything looks great. Oh, and I love those black shelves, too.
I like the shelf idea - sans the peach wall of course!
When you are finished with your house, will you please come to mine?
Beautiful room and love your blog!
Just as cutains warm up a room, plants do also as well as giving a room some life. I vote for something green. I don't see any other plants in the room. Mantle looks wonderful!!
Keep up the great work!
Hmm. 33 real decorator comments so you certainly don't need MY two cents! ;o) So...I'll comment on your fabulous STEAL on that print. $4.80? I love it! Your mantel looks great.
Thanks for the suggestions for my daughter's room. I love Overstock.com and I use it all the time. I bought the first set of bedding for my guest room there...the one I hated it. lol
Can't wait to see the room all finished!
Just why is it that a mantel is so difficult to decorate? I feeeeel the pain!
I'm going to go with a large, oversized clock. I got a FABULOUS one at Costco, but they also usually sell them at Home Goods and Even Target
I also like the idea of a pedestal.
OR, could you paing an old ladder and lean it up against the wall? You could use it as a reading rack, or for small framed pictures of your family.
I was curious ... do you have any items in other locations of your home that you could bring in? That way you will not be spending any extra $. Also, a floor lamp would give some extra lighting, if you currently do not have any.
You have a nice blog! I enjoy dropping in for visits.
Sincerely, Tricia Anne
The room needs greenery! Less is more and you already have curtains coming. Add some pretty and architectural plants and pat yourself on the back for job well done.
Hi,
That fireplace first of all is so lovely , gorgeous woodwork, the curtains will help so much with that corner, I think all you need is a floor lamp, that would add some substance to the space, I would leave the wall bare myself.
http://www.target.com/Floor-Lamp-Bronze/dp/B0012M4NTO/qid=1216919332/ref=br_1_8/601-3588074-0091343?ie=UTF8&node=15392631&frombrowse=1&pricerange=&index=tgt-mf-mv&field-browse=15392631
&rank=pmrank&rh=&page=1
this one from Target would look great .
Chris
Wow...now, I am really feeling for you. How do you make a decision with all these great suggestions. See how loved you are!!
Note: no suggestion from me. You've seen my blog.:)
Hi there
Nice blog :) I think I would put up a candle holder or two, not big, but just big enough to hold a candle. If you look at my blog, I just published a (half) photo of my candle holders, and maybe something like tis will do the trick???
Have a nice evening :)
Coming out of lurkdom for this one.. How about that wreath that you had over your mantle before? I dunno.. just thinking about shopping around the house!
Good Luck!
hi! i'm back from a blogging hiatus... what if you did something like this:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_1&listing_id=13645207
only instead of buying a wall decal, just paint it up there... it wouldn't have to be a dandelion, but it would be nice to do something somewhat graphic and large without being intrusive... whatta ya think?
I am with some of the others who suggest a plant. I am going to Home Depot tonight to look for a tall palm (real), I just can;t do fake. I walked into our house after being gone two weeks and noticed a lack of the outdoors! Happy Summer, cute blog.
My first thought was something iron. Maybe something with scrollwork.
Your room looks great already! And what a deal on that tulip print!
How about one of those tall, leaning ladder shelves? Or a tall plant?
Love your blog by the way!
I vote for a big, bushy palm type plant. But not a fake one, a REAL one! (My Mom, the Master Gardener is wearing off on me) :-)
Layla
The Lettered Cottage
I am rather new to your blog but love it. OK how about combining the iron and "something green" idea? A really neat metal or iron wall pocket (they are pretty hot right now) with some green. It doesn't have to be 1980's style floral. You could do something trailing and some artichokes and some good ole pheasant feathers for good measure and an ecclectic edge. When I decorated a clients home a few months ago she was totally opposed to "florals" but she complained that her home seem so harsh and cold. So we went with the wall pocket and she loved it. Just a suggestion. Good Luck, Paula
a big round (maybe black iron) clock!
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